the parish church yonder, to become Dame Goldthred. She hath jumped out of the shot-window of old Gaffer Thackham's grange; and lo ye, yonder she stands at the place where she should have met the palfrey, with her camlet riding-cloak and ivory-handled whip, like a picture of Lot's wife. I pray you, in good terms, let me have back the palfrey."
"Grieved am I," said Wayland, "as much for the fair damsel as for thee, most noble imp of muslin. But vows must have their course; thou wilt find the palfrey at the Angel yonder at Donnington. It is all I may do for thee with a safe conscience."
"To the devil with thy conscience!" said the dismayed mercer. "Wouldst thou have a bride walk to church on foot?"
"Thou mayest take her on thy crupper, Sir Goldthred," answered Wayland; "it will take down thy steed's mettle."
"And how if you--if you forget to leave my horse, as you propose?" said Goldthred, not without hesitation, for his soul was afraid within him.
"My pack shall be pledged for it--yonder it lies with Giles Gosling, in his chamber with the damasked leathern hangings, stuffed full with velvet, single, double, treble-piled--rash-taffeta, and parapa--shag, damask, and mocado, plush, and grogram--"
"Hold! hold!" exclaimed the mercer; "nay, if there be, in truth and sincerity, but the half of these wares--but if ever I trust bumpkin with bonny Bayard again!"
"As you list for that, good Master Goldthred,
